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Lead Wrangler Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sky Ranches Inc

Wrangler (Part-Time)

Van, TX · On-site

Lead group trail rides and activities for Retreats guests and Outdoor Education classes. * Drive trucks with trailers (people movers) to various locations as needed. * Assist the Head Wrangler and ...

Swaybox Studios

Lead Render Wrangler

New Orleans, LA · On-site

The Lead Render Wrangler will work closely with Pipeline, IT, Supervisors, Technical Directors, and Production to ensure renders move efficiently through the farm, troubleshoot failed or stalled jobs ...

Sky Ranches, Inc.

Wrangler (Part-Time)

Van, TX · On-site

Lead group trail rides and activities for Retreats guests and Outdoor Education classes. * Drive trucks with trailers (people movers) to various locations as needed. * Assist the Head Wrangler and ...

Swaybox Studios

Lead Render Wrangler

New Orleans, LA · On-site

The Lead Render Wrangler will work closely with Pipeline, IT, Supervisors, Technical Directors, and Production to ensure renders move efficiently through the farm, troubleshoot failed or stalled jobs ...

YMCA

Camp Wrangler (Day Camp Ihduhapi)

Loretto, MN · On-site

$17/hr

As a Camp Wrangler, you'll help care for horses, lead safe and engaging horseback riding activities, teach riding skills, and create memorable outdoor experiences for campers. This hands-on role is ...

CRISTA Camps

Wrangler

Port Orchard, WA

$17.13 - $18/hr

POSTION SUMMARY The Wrangler will provide guests with a safe, fun, and meaningful horsemanship ... Lead and supervise trail rides. * Share responsibility for care and feeding of horses.

CRISTA Camps

Wrangler

Port Orchard, WA · On-site

$17.13 - $18/hr

POSTION SUMMARY The Wrangler will provide guests with a safe, fun, and meaningful horsemanship ... Lead and supervise trail rides. * Share responsibility for care and feeding of horses.

CRISTA Camps

Wrangler

Port Orchard, WA

POSTION SUMMARY The Wrangler will provide guests with a safe, fun, and meaningful horsemanship ... Lead and supervise trail rides. * Share responsibility for care and feeding of horses.

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Lead Wrangler information

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$44

How much do lead wrangler jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead wrangler in the United States is $25.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead wrangler?

A Lead Wrangler is typically responsible for managing and coordinating teams or assets, often in the context of animal care, production, or logistics. In entertainment or ranching industries, a Lead Wrangler supervises the handling, movement, and care of animals, ensuring their safety and welfare. The role may also involve training junior wranglers, organizing schedules, and maintaining equipment. Strong leadership, animal handling skills, and experience in the field are usually required.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead wrangler?

To thrive as a Lead Wrangler, you need strong expertise in horse handling, animal behavior, and ranch operations, often backed by experience or certifications in equine management. Familiarity with tack and equipment maintenance, safety protocols, and possibly first aid certification is crucial. Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help manage teams and ensure guest satisfaction. These abilities are vital to maintain safety, efficiency, and a positive environment for both animals and people on the ranch.

What are the common challenges faced by a lead wrangler when managing a team of wranglers on large ranches or during cattle drives?

A Lead Wrangler often encounters challenges such as coordinating communication among team members, ensuring the safety and welfare of both the wranglers and livestock, and adapting to unpredictable weather or terrain conditions. Managing schedules, delegating tasks, and resolving conflicts within the team are also key aspects of the role. Success requires strong leadership, problem-solving skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure while working closely with ranch management and other departments.

What is the difference between Lead Wrangler vs Rodeo Clown?

AspectLead WranglerRodeo Clown
Primary RoleOversees animal handling and management for rodeos or eventsPerforms entertainment and safety duties during rodeos, including distracting bulls
Required SkillsAnimal handling, leadership, safety protocolsPerformance skills, agility, crowd interaction
Work EnvironmentRodeo arenas, farms, event settingsRodeo arenas, entertainment venues
CertificationsAnimal handling certifications often preferredPerformance experience, safety training

While both roles are involved in rodeo events, the Lead Wrangler primarily manages animals and ensures safety, whereas the Rodeo Clown focuses on entertainment and crowd safety during performances.

More about Lead Wrangler jobs

What job categories do people searching Lead Wrangler jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Lead Wrangler jobs are:

Lead Wrangler jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Wrangler job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,817 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Senior Wrangler / Lead Wrangler (Level 3)

Western Camps, Inc.

Sanger, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

About Western Camps, Inc.
Western Camps, Inc. is a mission-driven organization dedicated to providing meaningful outdoor, educational, and recreational experiences for individuals, families, and groups. Operating under the names Wonder Valley Ranch Resort, Wonder Valley Outdoor Education Center, and River Way Ranch Camp, we offer a range of programs and services that emphasize personal growth, environmental stewardship, and community connection.
Located in the foothills near Sanger, California, our facilities are situated within close proximity to Sequoia National Park, offering a unique setting that combines natural beauty with accessibility. With a long-standing commitment to safety, integrity, and excellence, Western Camps, Inc. strives to create environments where guests, students, and staff feel welcomed, supported, and inspired.
We value collaboration, professionalism, and a strong work ethic, and we are proud of the positive impact our programs have on the people and communities we serve. Join our team and enjoy meaningful work, great benefits, and perks that make every shift rewarding!
6450 Elwood Rd. Sanger, CA 93657
Senior Wrangler / Lead Wrangler - Level 3
Stables Department | Wonder Valley Ranch Resort
About the role
The Level 3 Wrangler is the senior-level wrangler within our Stables Department and serves as a trusted leader and resource for fellow wranglers. While this is not a management position, the Level 3 Wrangler leads by example and helps ensure our horses, guests, students, and staff are safe, supported, and having an exceptional experience.
This role is ideal for an experienced horseperson, trail guide, riding instructor, equine instructor, senior wrangler, or outdoor education professional who combines advanced horsemanship with strong leadership, teaching, and guest-service skills.
Our Stables Department is much more than trail rides and riding lessons. Throughout the year, we provide Outdoor Education programs, school field trips, horse experiences, guest activities, and summer horse camps. We are looking for someone who understands that creating meaningful experiences for people is just as important as providing excellent care for our horses.
Lead & Mentor:
  • Serve as the lead wrangler and primary point of contact when the Stables Manager is unavailable.
  • Lead by example through professionalism, accountability, and a positive attitude.
  • Support and mentor Level 1 and Level 2 Wranglers.
  • Help train new employees and reinforce department expectations.
  • Promote teamwork while fostering a positive and respectful work environment.
  • Take initiative and confidently make day-to-day operational decisions within department guidelines.
  • Identify opportunities for improvement and communicate them effectively to the Stables Manager.

Outdoor Education & Instruction
  • Independently teach Outdoor Education horse classes.
  • Lead engaging educational experiences for school groups, campers, and guests of different ages.
  • Adapt instruction to different learning styles and age groups.
  • Assist with developing and improving Outdoor Education curriculum.
  • Maintain class materials and communicate supply needs.
  • Communicate student, teacher, and guest concerns appropriately.

Guest Experience
The Level 3 Wrangler is expected to create exceptional guest experiences by:
  • Provide friendly, professional, and personalized customer service.
  • Lead engaging and memorable horse experiences and trail rides.
  • Build genuine connections with guests and anticipate their needs.
  • Handle guest concerns with professionalism, empathy, and confidence.
  • Create experiences that encourage guests to return.

Horsemanship
  • Demonstrate advanced horsemanship, horse handling, and equine safety skills.
  • Safely lead trail rides and guest riding experiences.
  • Recognize changes in horse behavior, soundness, health, or temperament.
  • Assist with evaluating horses for lessons, trail rides, camps, and Outdoor Education programs.
  • Administer medications as directed.
  • Safely harness, hitch, and operate driving horses when assigned.
  • Maintain high standards of horse welfare and daily care.

Qualifications
  • Advanced knowledge of horse behavior, handling, horsemanship, safety, and welfare
  • Experience safely handling a variety of horses with minimal supervision
  • Experience leading trail rides, riding programs, or horse experiences
  • Experience teaching, instructing, mentoring, or working with children and groups
  • Strong leadership and mentoring abilities
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Exceptional customer-service skills
  • Calm, sound judgment in changing or emergency situations
  • Professionalism, reliability, initiative, and accountability
  • Ability to assess horse, rider, trail, weather, and environmental conditions and make sound safety decisions
  • Willingness to learn, accept coaching, and continue developing professionally
  • Availability for afternoons, weekends, holidays, and seasonal programs

Non-Negotiables
A successful candidate must:
  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge of horse behavior, handling, safety, welfare, and daily management.
  • Consistently prioritize the safety and well-being of horses, guests, students, and fellow staff.
  • Possess the horsemanship, judgment, and experience necessary to confidently handle a wide variety of horses and situations with minimal supervision.
  • Model professionalism, integrity, accountability, and a positive attitude in every aspect of the job.
  • Lead by example and positively influence fellow wranglers through mentorship, teamwork, and effective communication.
  • Demonstrate exceptional customer service and create safe, engaging, and memorable guest experiences.
  • Confidently teach Outdoor Education classes, horse experiences, and riding programs while adapting to the needs of different age groups and learning styles.
  • Be coachable, adaptable, and committed to continuous learning and professional development.
  • Take initiative, solve problems independently, and know when to involve the Stables Manager.
  • Independently lead trail rides and horse experiences while ensuring the safety and well-being of horses, riders, guests, and staff.
  • Assess trail, weather, horse, rider, and environmental conditions and exercise sound judgment when making decisions that impact safety and the guest experience.
  • Respond appropriately to emergencies involving horses, riders, guests, or staff by following department emergency procedures, remaining calm under pressure, and exercising sound judgment.
  • Support department policies, safety standards, and the mission of the Stables Department.
  • Be available to work afternoons, weekends, holidays, and seasonal programs as needed.
  • Understand that this role extends beyond riding and includes leadership by example, Outdoor Education, guest engagement, mentorship, and supporting the success of the entire department.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate and verify the knowledge, skills, and experience expected of a Level 3 Wrangler through the interview process, practical horsemanship evaluations, and professional references.
Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their experience with horse handling, safety, trail riding, instruction, horse welfare, leadership, and guest service.
The pay range for this role is:
18.50 - 19.50 USD per hour (Western Camps, Inc.)

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